Wiz Khalifa’s Net Worth: How the Rapper Built His Fortune

Wiz Khalifa is a well-known American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor with a net worth of $70 million. He first gained attention in the music industry through his mixtapes, such as Prince of the City: Welcome to Pistolvania and Grow Season, which showed off his smooth flow, clever wordplay, and relaxed style. His major breakthrough came in 2010 with the hit single “Black and Yellow,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and quickly became an anthem for his hometown of Pittsburgh.

Over the years, Khalifa has released several successful albums, including Rolling Papers, O.N.I.F.C., and Blacc Hollywood. These albums produced hit songs like “Roll Up,” “Work Hard, Play Hard,” and “We Dem Boyz.” Much of his music revolves around themes of personal growth, having fun, and cannabis culture. Collaborations with major artists such as Snoop Dogg, Bruno Mars, and Charlie Puth further strengthened his position in the industry. Khalifa has also explored acting, appearing in films like Mac and Devin Go to High School and The After Party, showcasing his versatility beyond music.

Early Life

Wiz Khalifa was born Cameron Jibril Thomaz on September 8, 1987, in Minot, North Dakota. His parents were both in the military and divorced when he was three years old. Due to their service, the family moved frequently, living in countries such as Japan, the U.K., and Germany before finally settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1996 with his mother.

It was in Pittsburgh that Khalifa began writing and performing his own songs. By age 15, he was recording music professionally. Studio staff were impressed with his talent and allowed him to record songs for free. At 16, he was discovered by Benjy Grinberg, founder of Rostrum Records, who signed him to a recording and management deal. Rostrum would later sign another Pittsburgh rapper, Mac Miller, helping both artists launch successful careers.

Career Beginnings

In 2005, Wiz Khalifa released his first mixtape, Prince of the City: Welcome to Pistolvania, followed by his debut album Show and Prove in 2006. That same year, Rolling Stone named him an “artist to watch.” Between 2007 and 2009, he released several more mixtapes, including Grow Season, Prince of the City 2, Star Power, and Flight School.

Khalifa briefly signed with Warner Bros. Records, releasing the single Say Yeah. However, delays in releasing his debut album, First Flight, led him to leave the label in 2009. His first major hit, “Black and Yellow,” marked a turning point, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning nationwide recognition.

Since then, Khalifa has released seven studio albums:

• Show and Prove (2006)
• Deal or No Deal (2009)
• Rolling Papers (2011)
• Mac & Devin Go To High School (2011, with Snoop Dogg)
• O.N.I.F.C. (2012)
• Blacc Hollywood (2014)
• Rolling Papers 2 (2018)

He has also released numerous hit singles, including “See You Again” featuring Charlie Puth, “Young, Wild & Free” with Snoop Dogg and Bruno Mars, “Work Hard, Play Hard,” “We Own It (Fast & Furious)” with 2 Chainz, and “Sucker for Pain” alongside Lil Wayne, Imagine Dragons, Logic, Ty Dolla Sign, and X Ambassadors. Khalifa was featured on Fall Out Boy’s “Uma Thurman” remix in 2015 and continued to release popular singles leading up to his 2022 album Multiverse.

Personal Life

Wiz Khalifa was married to model Amber Rose from 2013 to 2014. They have a son, Sebastian Taylor Thomaz, born in February 2013, with whom they share joint custody. Khalifa later dated model Winnie Harlow before entering a relationship with a woman later revealed as Aimee Aguilar.

In Pittsburgh, the city council declared December 12, 2012, as Wiz Khalifa Day in honor of his contributions to music and culture. Khalifa is a strong advocate of marijuana use, claiming he spends $10,000 per month on cannabis, although he no longer pays for it after partnering with The Cookie Company to sell his strain, Khalifa Kush (KK). He also appeared on VH1’s Martha and Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Club alongside Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg, highlighting cannabis-infused cooking.

Khalifa is also passionate about fitness and martial arts. He began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2017, followed by Muay Thai, and in 2023 announced his first BJJ match under the High Rollerz ruleset.

Career Earnings

Wiz Khalifa has earned substantial income from his music, tours, and business ventures over the years. His annual earnings have fluctuated, with a total estimated career income of $165 million:

• 2011: $11 million
• 2012: $9 million
• 2013: $14 million
• 2014: $13 million
• 2015: $22 million
• 2016: $24 million
• 2017: $28 million
• 2018: $10 million
• 2019: $18 million
• 2020: $1 million
• 2021: $4 million
• 2022: $4 million
• 2023: $5 million

These earnings come from music sales, streaming, touring, endorsements, and collaborations with major artists in both the hip-hop and pop industries.

Real Estate

Wiz Khalifa has invested in luxurious real estate in Los Angeles. Before purchasing a home, he rented a property for $16,000 per month. In 2019, he bought a $3.5 million contemporary-style home in Encino, California, featuring 6,000 square feet, five bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms, a modern kitchen, built-in wine bar, multiple fireplaces, a home theater, smart security, and a backyard with a swimming pool, spa, and pool house. In 2022, he listed this home for $4.5 million.

Later in May 2022, Khalifa purchased another newly constructed Encino home for $7.6 million, spanning over 8,000 square feet, with six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. These properties reflect his success and lifestyle as a top-earning artist and entrepreneur.

Conclusion

Wiz Khalifa’s journey from a young boy writing songs in Pittsburgh to a global rap superstar with a net worth of $70 million is a story of talent, hard work, and strategic career moves. His success stems from a combination of musical creativity, collaborations with top artists, acting ventures, and business initiatives. Beyond music, Khalifa is known for his lifestyle, advocacy of cannabis, martial arts training, and investment in high-end real estate. His ongoing influence in music and pop culture ensures he remains a major figure in entertainment for years to come.